Review: Wicked Lovely

 Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Published by Harper Teen on May 1, 2008

Goodreads Summary:

All teenagers have problems, but few of them can match those of Aislinn, who has the power to see faeries. Quite understandably, she wishes that she could share her friends' obliviousness and tries hard to avoid these invisible intruders. But one faery in particular refuses to leave her alone. Keenan the Summer King is convinced beyond all reasoning that Aislinn is the queen he has been seeking for nine centuries. What's a 21st-century girl to do when she's stalked by a suitor nobody else can see? 

My thoughts: Hm, truthfully, I could take it or leave it. I started it about three weeks ago and I had to force myself to finish it last night, when I was about 3/4 done. I wanted to love this book. Honestly. But the book just didn't cut if for me. I felt like the book was predictable--I figured out what was going to happen a few chapters in and the chapters between didn't change that outcome.

There is a great twist in the end that was a redeeming factor. I will eventually pick up the the second book in the series because of that aspect of the book. I also think the series has great world-building potential, but  there wasn't enough of a good plot to grab my attention.

Maybe I read this too soon after The Iron Fey series? Haughty prince? Chosen princess? Rings a bell :)

Review: Love Inc

Love, Inc. (Love Inc - Trilogy) by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout
Published: Hyperion (January 4, 2011)
Pages: 432 pages
Source: Borrowed from library


Rating: 4/5


Summary from Goodreads:

Zahra, Kali, and Syd would never have met if their parents' marriages hadn't fallen apart. But when the three girls collide in group counseling, they discover they have something else in common: they've each been triple-timed by the same nefarious charmer, Eric, aka Rico, aka Rick. Talk about eye-opening therapy.

Cheerful, diplomatic Zahra is devastated. Rico had been her rock and sole confidant. How could she have missed the signs? Folksy, flirtatious Kali feels almost as bad. She and Rick had only been on a few dates, but they'd felt so promising. Hardened vintage-vixen Syd is beyond tears. She and Eric had real history... Or so she'd thought. Now all three girls have one mission: to show that cheater the folly of his ways.

Project Payback is such a success, the girls soon have clients lining up for their consulting services. Is your boyfriend acting shady? Dying to know if your crush is into you? Need match-making expertise? Look no further than Love, Inc.

My thoughts:

I requested this book after seeing it in The Story's Siren's IMM, and my library was quick to order it. After it arrived, it sat in my library basket for a couple of days. Eventually I picked it up, hoping for a quick read. But at 432 pages, Love, Inc. proved to be more of a challenge--one that I throughly enjoyed and pleasantly surprised at the results.

I'm finding it hard to review this book without giving away spoilers, so instead I'm going to list the top 5 things that make this book worth reading:


1. Zahra. She's an awesome main character and you really get inside her head and understand her motives. Love her.
2. The cultural aspect. Collins and Rideout did a great job of presenting Zahra's confusion combining her American life with the new Pakistani point of view her grandparents bring. It was really well done and one of my favorite parts of the books.
3. Love, Inc. With its rules and clients it was a business that I would have loved to be in :)
4. Kali and Syd. Great supporting characters. Their story lines were interesting and woven in nicely. 
5. Project Payback. I can't give away much, but this was an awesome revenge. 


Great book--fun, bubbly with some serious subjects like religion and parental seperation approached in what I believe was a fresh way. 


Can't wait for Book Number 2!

Review: Vixen

Vixen (The Flappers) by Jillian Larkin
Published: Delcourte Books for Young Readers (December 14, 2010)
Pages: 421
Source: Bought


Summary from Goodreads: 


Jazz . . . Booze . . . Boys . . . It’s a dangerous combination.

Every girl wants what she can’t have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle—and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she’s engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago’s most powerful families, Gloria’s party days are over before they’ve even begun . . . or are they?

Clara Knowles, Gloria’s goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch—but Clara isn’t as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she’ll do anything to keep hidden. . . .

Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria’s shadow. When Lorraine’s envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone’s going to be very sorry. . . 

From debut author Jillian Larkin, VIXEN is the first novel in the sexy, dangerous, and ridiculously romantic new series set in the Roaring Twenties . . . when anything goes.


My thoughts:
I was pretty excited to pick up this book, as historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. And the 20s are a time period I'm not all too knowledgeable about, so I thought this book would broaden my horizons. But truthfully, this book feel kind of flat for me. There were some good parts, and even some exciting parts, but I couldn't relate to the characters nor feel their plight. Being in touch with the characters is a key element in reading for me, and I just couldn't find a connection. 


The book is told in three POV--Gloria, Clara and Lorraine.  Gloria a top Chicago socialite, engaged to another socialite, and desperate to have a little fun before she becomes a Mrs. Clara, Gloria's cousin,  has had her little fun in NYC and is now serving time at Gloria's home under the careful eyes of her aunt. Lorraine, Gloria's best friend, is dying to show how fabulous and flapper she really is. And Gloria provides her with a perfect chance when she falls in love with a black musician in the local speakeasy. 


While Clara was my favorite, all three girls were self-absorbed and catty. Maybe that was the way of the flappers? I have no idea. Or maybe it was the high-society part that I couldn't enjoy--a bit reminiscent of when I wasted an entire summer reading the Gossip Girl series. The male characters in the story didn't do much for either, although Marcus, Gloria's other best friend, was proabably my favorite character in the entire story. If I pick up Ingenue (The Flappers) it will be to see what happens to him.


All in all, the plot wasn't bad, but the characters just couldn't get me to feel any emotions for them. Luckily this is just my opinion. I've read some great reviews on this book, so if you are interested in the 1920s or enjoyed books like The Luxe, you might enjoy this one.


Rating: 2.5 Stars--not for me, but maybe for you?

review: Jane

Jane by April Lindner
Published: Poppy (October 11, 2010)
Pages: 384
Source: Bought


*This review will contain spoilers, unless you have read the original Jane Eyre.


Summary from Goodreads:


Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, an iconic rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer, and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is tested by a torturous secret from his past.

Part irresistible romance and part darkly engrossing mystery, this contemporary retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre promises to enchant a new generation of readers.


My thoughts: 


In this modern remake of Jane Eyre, our heroine finds herself in a familiar position: no real family, no money and no place to go. But fate will lead Jane Moore to a job as a nanny at a large estate. The estate of Nico Rathburn, rock legend, to be exact. As per Bronte's storyline, Jane soons falls in love with Nico. But secrets are unearth and Jane flees from Thornfield. 


Jane was a good retelling of the classic Jane Eyre. It followed enough of the plot line of the original to make it familar, but the new materail gave it it's own edge. It's more of a romance and the "rock star" vibe kep the story in the present. Jane, the main character, did however lack some of the qualities of the real Jane Eyre. She seemed very impressionable and with very little knowledge of Rathburn, she falls head over heals. Rathburn, in turn, lacked the gruffiness of Mr. Rochester. The characters almost seemed like shells of the originals. Thiere whirlwind romahc seemed unbelievable, and I was kind of happy to see Jane leave Thornfield, even through I knew in all likelihood she would return.


All that being said, I did enjoy the story. I loved the familiarness of it and how it left me wanting to reread Jane Eyre. It's a great book of fans of the classic and those wanting a moody romance.


Rating: 3 Stars.

review: The Mockingbirds

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Published: (November 2, 2010)

Pages: 332

Source: Borrowed from library

Summary from Goodreads:

Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.

In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl's struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone--especially yourself--you fight for it.

My thoughts:

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney is a powerful, poignant novel that shows what happens when adults turn the other cheek and students are forced to stand up for what is right and what is good. The story, centered on Alex, is about date rape. When Alex is raped, she turns to a secret society that is focused on righting wrongs. It was a great plot, and I loved seeing how Alex and The Mockingbirds were going to avenge what had happened. I was also happy to see that The Mockingbirds is going to be a series, and I can't wait to see Whitney's next book.

However, it broke my heart to read about how the adults in The Mockingbirds--the teachers, the administration--were portrayed. They were blind, ignorant and unwilling to admit the evils in the world. I understand the reasoning of creating such a group. Without this factor there could be no such thing as The Mockingbirds. But I couldn't help compare The Mockingbirds tot he the helplessness that I'm sure thousands of young adults feel when they have no one to turn to. 

The same helplessness I fell that I can't help them either.

But someone can. There are websites and phone numbers and adults who DO CARE and ARE THERE FOR YOU.

Teen Safe Project

Hope for Healing

About Date Rape

Love is Not Abuse

Whitney's book made an impact--and one that I hope helps open others eyes as well.

review: Nevermore

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
Published: Atheneum (August 31, 2010)
Pages: 543
Source: Borrowed from library

From Goodreads:

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game.

Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind.

Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it

My thoughts:  Nevermore was a fast-paced paranormal romance combined with a literary twist. Creagh has taken the "good girl meets bad boy" plot and thrown in the prose and poetry of Mr. Edgar Allan Poe. Her female protagonist, Isobel, seems to have it all--a tight group of friends, a top spot on the cheerleading squad and a hot boyfriend. Her counterpart, goth boy Varen Nethers has his job at the ice cream parlor, the friendship of Bruce (the grumpy owner of said ice cream parlor) and some very dark secrets. As Kelly learns more about him, the further she is pulled in to his secrets.

The item that really makes Creagh's book stand out is her inclusion of Poe's work. It's not a retelling, nor our her characters based on his work. Poe's work creates the backdrop to Varen's Underworld, where Isobel and Varen collide with Poe's creatures.
I'm a Poe fan and I believe that Creagh has really given her YA paranormal a great twist. His dark works make a perfect setting for Varen and the author created a unique balance in Isobel. Isobel seems to have be happy with her life, but finds herself searching for what she never new was missing.

Nevermore was a great thriller, although at times I felt like scenes and story lines were moving along too quickly and leaving gaps in the story. The cover was gorgeous as well, with some of Poe's work embossed across the front. A recommend for those who enjoy romance and paranormal stories.

Review: The Mortal Instruments.

Yesterday, I told you I was pining for City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Book 4). Today I'm going to share my thought on the first three books in The Mortal Instruments.

Short Summary: Clary Fray was living a normal teenage life in NYC. She enjoyed hanging out with her best friend Simon, drawing and magna. But a trip to a club with Simon leads Clary to a world she never knew existed and to one where she just might belong. She meets Jace, Alec and Isabelle--Shadowhunters who fight the demons that roam the earth. Secrets and plans are revealed and Clary and her friends must fight for what and who they believe in.

First off, Cassandra Clare has created a great fantasy world. I loved how she combined the different mythological characters with a new bread of her own creation--the Shadowhunters, descendents of angels. She kept the vampire and werewolf lore pretty basically, making it easy to follow without becoming confused. She might have do the same with the faeries, but sadly I do not know that much about faeries to begin with :) By keeping those myths simple, it allows the read to concentrate on learning about the Shadowhunters history and legends. I haven't read much angel lore, so this was a pleasant experience for me. And it left me waiting to read more about angels, like Cynthia Hand's Unearthly (Unearthly - Trilogy). Sadly, BarnesandNoble.com is holding my copy hostage.

As for the characters, I immediately liked Clary. She's fiercely loyal, intelligent and curious.  The last trait leads her into some interesting situations, but she take it all in stride. She doesn't let fear shake her from those she loves and doing what she must in order to help them. Jace in another story. He's quite mysterious and moody in the beginning and I had a hard time trying to figure him out. It took several chapter to really catch a glimpse of who Jace really is--a question he struggles with throughout the series. 

Alec and Isabelle, along with Luke (a werewolf) and Mangus (a walock), make great supporting characters. You both love and hate them at sometime or another, and anytime a minor character can pull so many emotions from you shows signs of a well-written bit player.

Interesting world. Great characters. THRILLING PLOT. I tore through the Mortal Instrument books. Clare wove a web and I was caught. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen at the end, and how so many of the books' conflicts were going to be resolved. Each book left me wanting more, and Clare delivered with each installation for her series.  My co-worker actually suggested this series to be and has been laughing at me all week because of how frustrated I was because I had NO IDEA WHAT WAS GOING ON.

While I'm excited to read City of Fallen Angels, I'm also surprised that there is a fourth book in the series. I felt City of Glass ended well, so it will be fascinating to find out what new story lines Clare creates in CoFA.

Any other fans of Clare out there? What do you think of the books? Any ideas of what happens in Book Number Four?

review: Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Published: Dutton (December 2, 2010)
Pages: 372 pages
Source: I bought this book


Summary (From Goodreads)

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

My thoughts: I loved this book SO HARD. And what's not to love? Paris, cute boys and several mentions of crepes. J'adore les crêpes. Let's break down the awesomeness of this book.

1. Anna. The protagonist of AATFK is funny, witty and overall charming. You can't help but love Anna. You feel her emotions--from her nervousness in living in a new city, alone, to her conflicting emotions about St. Clair. She's very genuine and I think that anyone who has fallen in love can relate to Anna.

2. St. Clair. I'm going to go all fangirl on St. Clair--OMG. It's as if Perkins tapped into my fantasy high school boyfriend and wrote a story about him. He's cute and has an awesome accent and is English AND Parisian AND American. I admire authors who make a character so likable, even when his faults are evident. There were times when I want to beat his head up against the wall, but I was rooting for him the whole time. 

3. Paris. This is actually the first YA book I've read set in Paris and I really hope to see more like it. You get a taste of the City of Lights, but not all the gushing. I'm not sure how Perkins did that--I would do nothing but gush.  
4. Crepes and Nutella. That is all.


I want to say more but nothing is really coming to mind. It's a great book, one that I've seen on list after list of Best Books 2010. I've yet to see a bad review for this novel, and I know that I'm eagerly waiting for Lola and the Boy Next Door by Perkins which is due out in September of 2011.

review: I Now Pronounce You Someone Else

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan
Published: Levine Books (June 1, 2010)
Pages: 272
Source: Borrowed from library

Short Summary: Bronwen Oliver has never felt like she belongs in her family. She's nothing like her petite blonde mother and perfect brother. So Bronwen and her best friend create a new life for her--she's Phoebe Lilywhite, the daughter of a prominent family who was switched at birth with the Oliver's child. As time goes by, what was once a childhood dream becomes an inside joke and Bronwen has adjusted into a normal high school student. She enjoys hanging out with her friends and is currently dealing with drama from her (now ex-) boyfriend.

But when Jared Sondervan walks into her life everything changes. Jared is sweet and kind and sexy... everything Bronwen wants in a guy. And the Sondervans are funny and close-knit... everything Bronwen wants in a family. When Jared proposes after just a few months of dating and plans for a summer wedding emerge, Bronwen seems destined for the life and family she has always craved. But with Jared's big questions comes another. What if she is making a mistake?

My Thoughts: I Now Pronounce You Someone Else is a fun book that really go me thinking. The cute cover and darling romance lead me to believe it would just be a mushy read, but I was proved wrong. The relationship between Bronwen and Jared, while endearing, brings out some serious questions. Is Bronwen ready to be married? What will married life be like for two college students? What is she going going to miss out on? What if she can't do this?

Just a few generations back and Bronwen's decision to marry young would have been the norm. But culture has evolved and marriage right out of high school has become almost a taboo in our society. McCahan creates a dilemma for her readers--Bronwen and Jared are in love and I wanted them to be together, but I always wanted Bronwen to explore college and all the fun that goes with it. I married my own high school sweetheart after I finished college and I feel that I can relate to Bronwen and Jared's feelings. The book made me reflect on the times that I thought I was ready to be married at such a young age. The book covers a topic which seemed almost out of place in today's contemporary YA genre.

At the end, I was happy with Bronwen's decision and I love the way McCahan left the ending. It's so full of possibilities.

Rating: A great read. 4 stars!

review: Shrinking Violet

Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph
Published: MTV (May 5, 2009)
Pages: 320
Source: Borrowed from library

Short Summary: Teresa lives and breathes music. With the bass pumping in her ears and the lyrics running through her soul, it's easy forget the real world--the world where she is so painfully shy. The world where she snd her mother fight like cats and dogs.

In her world, Teresa is the DJ and all of Miami is listening to her.

Too bad it's only in her dreams. In real life Teresa has been assigned an group presentation with Gavin, the boy at school that Tere can't quite figure out. She can't decide what is worse--the oral report or that her mother is still trying to turn her into a younger version of herself. Complete with a Mary Kay makeover.

But things may turn around for Tere when a slot opens up at a local radio station (conveniently owned by her stepfather).  Behind the mic, Tere is Sweet T, Miami's new mysterious DJ. And even though talking to people usually breaks her out in cold sweats, on air, she's a natural. But when a new promo at the station will combine Tere's two worlds, she going to have to find a way to break through.

My thoughts: I really related to Shrinking Violet. I was also very shy as a child and young adult. My escape was books rather then music. I really like Teresa--she really tries to overcome her shyness and pursue her dreams. I think a lot of times in books the main character is handled some type of challenge and has to come up with the courage to complete, but Tere doesn't wait and I love that about her.

While I really liked Sweet T's life at the station, it seemed completely removed from her home life--almost as if I was reading two different stories. Both were good, but I felt like they crashed together at the end, instead of being woven together throughout the book.

There was a lot of information about the supposed music scene in Miami. The station where Tere works played a lot of local artists who have the potential to go big. As a small town Oklahoma girl I found this really interesting and different from the music scene in this here neck of the woods.

A fun read and one that had me remember my own shakes and nerves from public speaking in high school.

Rating: 3 Stars

review: The Botticelli Secret

The Botticelli Secret by Marina Fiorato
Published: St. Martin's Griffin (2010)
Pages: 528 pages
Source: Borrowed from library

Luciana Vetra is making her way through the world by working the streets of Venice. And when her best client ask her to pose for Sandro Botticelli, a local artist, Luciana obliges. She spends a few hours modeling, making small talk with the artist and then, as she leaves, steals a small miniature of the painting she posed for--La Primavera.

Worst. Mistake. Ever.

Within hours of the theft, the two people closest to Lucia are murdered and Luciana is forced to ask for help from a humble monk, Brother Guido. They escape and upon examining the miniature, they unravel a plot involving all the city-states of Italy. They travel across the country, gathering clues. When all is made clear, Luciana and Guido find themselves on opposite sides of Italy with one goal in mind. They must reunite and save the victim of La Primavera.

My thoughts: This book combined all of my favorite things--traveling, art and history. La Primavera is one of my favorite paintings and while in Europe I studied some of Botticelli's works for my Italian Renaissance class. Italy wasn't on my itinerary, but in Fiorato's book, one can travel the country before it became the united Italia. Traveling from Venice, Lucia and Guido visit Pisa, Florence, Rome and other cities in Italy.

Fiorato's use of the painting was wonderful and the plot was amazing. Luciana and Guido are my favorite type of characters--they have a great love/hate relationship. They struggle throughout the novel to find ways to communicate, as well as trust one another. Destiny seems set on pulling them apart, but at each new locale they are driven closer together.

This is a great novel for anyone who loves art, Italy or historical fiction.

Rating: 5 Stars

review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cochn and David Levithan
Published: Knopf (October 26, 2010)
Pages: 272
Source: Borrowed from library

Short Summary: ...it's Christmas time in the city. And for Lily and Dash this holiday season means empty apartments and open schedules. For Lily, this is awful. Christmastime is for family and presents and decorations and CAROLING. For Dash, it's a nice break from his parents and their significant others. Worlds will collide, however, when Dash unearths a red Moleskin notebook on the shelves of the Strand, NYC's famous bookstore.

Inside the notebook Dash finds a series of clues. Clues written by Lily which will lead to a city-wide scavenger hunt as Lily and Dash shuffle the Moleskin back and forth. They hit up some of New York's most iconic Christmas spots and with exchange learn more about each other.

As more is revealed, Dash and Lily both began to wonder: what if this relationship is better left on paper?

My thoughts: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares immediately caught by eye. I'm a big fan of Cohn and Levithan's other two collaborations-- Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist and Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List. And I love the fast-paced movement of the New York setting. I <3 NY.

The characters in this novel are fun and quirky--and stereotypical. Lily is the sensitive, sheltered introvert and Dash is the analytic bookworm. Little quirks brighten their characters and made both of them likable. Having a great cast of supporting characters helps as well-- Lily's cousin might be my favorite character in the book.

This book is also where I got the title for my blog, in a place where Dash described himself..."I was horribly bookish, to the point of coming right out and saying it, which I knew was not socially acceptable. I particularly loved the adjective bookish, which I found other people used about as often as ramrod or chum or teetotaler."

This book is a fun quick read that really put me in the holiday spirit--and pining for a December trip to the Big Apple.

Rating: 3 Stars

review: The Lost Hero

J

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Published: Hyperion (October 12, 2010)
Pages: 557
Source: Gift from my husband at Christmas

Short Summary: Jason, Piper and Leo are troubled kids. Sent to Wilderness School due to their bad behavior, they have never really fit in--at home or school. Leo has ran away from every foster home he has lived, trying to outrun his past. Piper, trying to grab the attention of her movie star dad, steals.

And Jason? Jason doesn't remember a thing. Much less why he is on a bus to the Grand Canyon, where the beginning of the novel takes place.

But all some will be made clear when Jason, Leo and Piper, after a crazy battle at the Grand Canyon, find themselves residents of Camp Half-Blood--home of the demi-gods. Filled with familiar characters from the Percy Jackson series, Camp Half-Blood soon provides the trio with answers they are looking for. Piper learns who her mother is and Leo finds out the sources of his power. But Jason's memory hasn't returned and why does he feel so out of place at camp, when Piper and Leo fit in so well?

My thoughts: I really enjoyed reading The Lost Hero. As a big fan of Percy Jackson, I was happy to see Riordan use the same settings but create a very different experience. Even though I knew about several of the characters, I never felt bored or that Riordan was repeating any story lines.

The Lost Hero combines Greek mythology with Roman in way that makes it easy to understand and keep track of the different gods and goddess. Riordan expands to the world he has created-- adding layers and complexity for his new hero: Jason. Jason was a great character. Confused and misplaced, he uses instinct and observation to guide him through his "new" world. The author does a great job at keeping the reader in suspense about Jason's past.

Leo and Piper's characters are not as hard to figure out. Piper has been ignored most of her life--by the mother she never knew and her dad who is always busy with a new project. Her natural ability to charmspeak, or talk people into whatever she wants, has left her relationship with her dad shaky, even though they are close. She is also fiercely loyal to her friends. So when a series of dreams tells Piper she will have to chose between her friends or her family, Piper must learn to trust other with her secrets.

Leo was such a fun character. He's ability to make to build almost anything was helpful, along with a magical tool belt which always seem to have what the three need. And his pet dragon Fetus was a great companion. Leo's not without dark secrets thought. Possessing a power to that may or may not have cost his mother her life, Leo is trying to figure out how clues from his past will dictate his future.

Overall, a good read and I think Riordan does a really nice job of combining old with new. He also leaves the reader wanting answers at the end. Book 2, Son of Neptune, is tentatively set to come out this fall!

3.5 stars

review: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Published: Simon & Schuster (May 4, 2010)
Pages: 344
Source: Borrowed from the library

Short Summary: Amy's life is a mess. Her father is dead, her brother is in rehab and she's pretty sure her mother blames her for everything. Which is why she's left her across the country in California while she goes and starts a new life for them in Connecticut. Amy is finishing up her junior year of high school and living in the empty shell of her childhood home, dealing with the emotions and consequences that have fallen upon her in the last few months. When her mother calls to inform Amy that she's going to drive the car across the country with Roger, a friend's son, Amy's not sure what to expect.

What began as a quick trip to Connecticut ends up being an amazing road trip in which both Roger and Amy deal with past decisions and events, while learning more about themselves and each other.

My thoughts: I loved this book. Both Amy and Roger were great characters--very real and very funny. Matson really worked on making them believable characters. Amy could have quickly become a whiny character and Roger might have been too perfect--but that's not the case. Each have their own set of problems to deal with, but the friendship they create helps both of them grow throughout the story. The cast of supporting character was quirky and cute and I would love to hear more about each one of them.  On a side note, Bronwyn is a an awesome name.

The setting was awesome--a trip across America? I'm in. I was excited to see some places I have actually visited, like Colorado Springs and Wichita. In fact, my best friend is from Wichita and I called her to confirm some details :) There are also journal-type entries, like Roger's playlists and Amy's trip diary. I thought it was done tastefully, as it adds to the story without being childish. I also love that Amy loves Broadway show tunes... we could probably be best friends.

At the end of the book I felt satisfied. There were questions left, but life is never tied up in a nice neat bow, so why should Amy and Roger's story end that way?

I think the cover is great, and really captures the spirit of the story. It also kind of gives away the end :(

Rating: 4 stars

review: Matched

You know what I love about reading? Almost everyone reads SOMETHING. Magazines, newspapers, blogs, books, comics (or the funnies, as my grandma calls them). And everyone who reads something has an opinion on what is good and are willing to share that gem of info.

Such is the case with my new favorite book series, Matched, by Ally Condie. When I went to return Revolution (by Jennifer Donnelly) I took it by my favorite reference librarian to recommended to her teenage daughter. She, in turn, told me about Matched, and how said teenage daughter thought I might like it.



I read it.
I loved it.
I had to buy it.
I need to return the other copy to the library.

Cassia lives in a perfect world-- the Society runs it's citizens lives so each can live it to "optimal results." Everything is perfectly planned. Culture and arts have been streamlined-- there are a Hundred Poems, a Hundred Paintings, a Hundred Songs-- with less there is more time to enjoy it. And at seventeen you are "matched" to the person whom you will enter a Marriage Contract with. Cassia has waiting for this moment her whole life. It's wonderful. It's magical. Until something goes horribly wrong.

I'm not going to give any more of the book away, but it brought up so many good questions. What if you were in charge of choosing one hundred things and all the rest would be done away with? Could you? What songs, poems, books or paintings would you hope to see make the list?

And the "Matched" concept--do you think you could choose to Matched(All citizens may chose to be Matched or be Single)? Could you have enough faith to allow someone to make such an important decision? Would you be Matched with the person you are with today? (Oh no. On paper, my husband and I are about as compatible as lightning and an above-ground swimming pool)

The second book in the Matched trilogy, Crossed, comes out in November of 2011, and I'm sad about the long wait.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

See more reviews of Matched at Goodreads. Or be my friend.

review: Revolution

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Published: Delacorte Books (October 12, 2010)

Pages: 472

Source: Borrowed from library

Short Summary: Most teenagers would kill for a chance to spend winter break in Paris. But Andi can't believe her father is dragging her across the world with him so he can supervise her schoolwork. Ever since accident with her little brother, all Andi can handle is watching her mother to make sure she doesn't go completely off the edge and worrying about her music. Music. The one thing that helps Andi forget and bring her back into the world.

In Paris, Andi is thrown into the world of the French Revolution and the small child-king, Louise Charles, whose heart may or may not be in the glass jar that her scientist father has come to run DNA test on. When she unlocks a secret compartment in a guitar case, Andi finds the diary of Alex--a young servant to the royal family who risks life and limb for Louis Charles. Andi so finds herself wrapped up in Alex's world, in a very real way. 

My thoughts: I picked up this book from the library with no real intention on reading it. The plot summary didn't really grab me, and the book cover made me question how much I would really like (why, yes, I do judge books by their covers). But I also adore 17th century France and checking it out wouldn't hurt anything. I would just bring it back if I didn't like it.

Wrong. This is one of the best books I've read this year, and definitely the best YA book. It's written beautifully and Donnelly really brings the characters to life. Especially Andi, the narrator. You feel for her and zip through the book hoping for the best, because sometimes it doesn't seem like its going to happen.

Rating: 5 Stars. It's a new favorite